A fire has erupted at Afriland Towers, a high-rise on Broad Street, Lagos Island, which houses a branch of the United Bank for Africa and other businesses.
Videos circulating on social media showed thick black smoke billowing from the building as panic spread across the busy Marina area. Some individuals were seen attempting to jump from upper floors, while others were rescued with ladders by residents and passersby.
Crowds gathered outside the building as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze began in the inverter room located in the basement before spreading smoke across several floors.
“A fire outbreak is currently being battled at a six-storey building on Afriland Tower, Broad Street, Lagos Island. The call was received at 13:38 hours, and fire crews from Ebute Elefun and Sari Iganmu Fire Stations responded,” the statement signed by Deputy Controller General Ogabi Olajide read.
It noted that evacuations were ongoing and that the initial panic had been contained following the arrival of first responders.
As of press time, no casualties had been officially confirmed.
